Joining the American Party of Labor
The American Party of Labor is not an open membership organization, and all applicants must be 18 years of age or older. All potential recruits are interviewed, preferably in person. After an interview, applicants may be admitted to candidacy. Successful completion of candidate requirements may then lead to full membership.
The structure of the Party and expectations of our members
“At a time when the autocracy is trying to corrupt the class consciousness of the proletariat with ‘trade unionism,’ nationalism, clericalism and the like, and when, on the other hand, the liberal intelligentsia is persistently striving to kill the political independence of the proletariat and to impose its tutelage upon it—at such a time we must be extremely vigilant and never forget that our Party is a fortress, the gates of which are opened only to those who have been tested.”
The American Party of Labor is a revolutionary Leninist organization, a fighting group of leaders within and amongst the working class and oppressed peoples. Each member of our Party is a leader demonstrating theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Following Lenin’s slogan, “Educate, Agitate, Organize,” the Party strongly upholds the practice of democratic centralism. By strictly adhering to democratic centralism, we build and maintain the structural integrity of our Party. As Stalin elaborated, “It is also clear that a party which has set out to lead the fighting proletariat must not be a chance conglomeration of individuals, but a united centralized organization, so that its activities can be directed according to a single plan.”
The necessity of such a party is exemplified by the decades of failure of spontaneous struggles and uprisings in order to achieve fundamental change. Although spontaneous mass movements can and have achieved limited, albeit necessary, goals, it is essential that these various struggles unite under a single revolutionary momentum. As stated in the Second Declaration of Havana: “The duty of a revolutionary is to make the revolution.”
There are no part-time revolutionaries. Revolution is a vocation, not a hobby. The Party expects all of its members to actively participate in the life of the Party. This includes not only practical but also financial support of the Party’s activities. As such, we are an organization of dues-paying cadre. Among the Party’s many activities, we send members of the Party to international conferences, workshops, and educationals. The APL runs Service to the People Programs in Orlando, New Jersey, and New York City, where we provide necessary supplies (food, protective wear, household goods) to poor and working class families, free of charge. We also self-publish our newspaper and tabling materials, as well as perform the labor required to do so. All of these activities, and more, require the sustained financial support of Party members. Every penny collected from membership dues and supporters goes to the work of the Party. No one personally profits from the Party’s finances. Financial and practical support is a symbol of discipline and commitment.
“The foregoing makes it sufficiently clear that the proletarian party, being a fighting group of leaders, must, firstly, be considerably smaller than the proletarian class with respect to membership; secondly, it must be superior to the proletarian class with respect to its understanding and its experience; and, thirdly, it must be a united organization.”
How to apply
If you understand the requirements and the process outlined above, and are interested in joining our party, please follow these steps:
1. Click the button below to fill out the application.
2. Wait for an email response to schedule an interview. Interviews are conducted either in person or remotely. Due to a high influx of applicants, this may take up to two weeks.
3. Upon completion of an interview, you will be informed of our decision within 48 hours via email.
FAQ about membership in the American Party of Labor
I’m not an expert on Marxism-Leninism. Can I still join?
Yes. One of the main tasks of a revolutionary communist party is to educate. You do not have to be a scholar to be a Communist and a productive Party member. We do, however, reject the idea that theory is useless to working people. We are not a scholastic party that holds to theoretical gatekeeping, but we do educate on theory and let that theory guide our practice.
What kinds of activities would I be expected to participate in as a Party member?
Members contribute to the Party in various ways, depending on their skills and abilities. Your participation will be based on what you are best at.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Joining the American Party of Labor carries several benefits.
Membership in a nationwide and internationally-affiliated Marxist-Leninist party that upholds and practices freedom in debate, unity in action.
Opportunities for real-world political education and experience across the US, Latin America, and the world, with our fraternal parties in the International Conference of Marxist-Leninist Parties and Organizations (ICMLPO/CIPOML).
Access to resources and a network of experienced activists for organizing your campus, workplace, and community.
Access to our theoretical education classes and materials.
Can my significant other and I join at the same time?
Yes, but you’ll have to apply and interview individually.
How can I support the party without joining?
Our newspaper, The Red Phoenix, is always looking for article submissions from class-conscious workers across the country. If you are a student, we can help with organizing your campus and establishing student activist groups. Additionally, you can contribute to our organizing funds via subscribing to the Red Phoenix print edition, purchasing from our Party store, or donating directly to the APL.
Will applying to the APL jeopardize my employment, housing, or legal status?
The APL will never contact anyone in a fashion that would compromise your safety or security. All personal information is kept secure and absolutely confidential.
I’d like to know more about the American Party of Labor before applying. Who can I talk to?
You can reach out to our Organizational Bureau at org@americanpartyoflabor.com.
How do I know if I’m a good fit for the American Party of Labor?
Are you ready to fight injustice? Join us.
Where does the APL organize?
The APL has members in more than 20 states.
